Sep. 1--CONCORD -- Head coach Bobby Cloninger has stressed mental toughness as the key to success for his Jay M. Robinson team.

The Bulldogs showed plenty of that on Friday night.

Despite trailing for most of the game, Robinson continually battled back and pulled out a wild 32-27 victory over rival Concord at Robinson High.

Jason Hampton's 4-yard touchdown run -- his third score of the game -- with 1:10 left in the fourth quarter provided the winning points.

"It gives a whole lot of credibility to what we're trying to do," Cloninger said of the victory. "They're a good football team. Our kids showed a lot of perseverance by the way they came back. I'm going to give them all the credit.

"We earned this one."

Concord, meanwhile, made big strides offensively but saw its second game end in the same way as its opener -- with an interception.

After Hampton's score, Concord got a 15-yard run by quarterback Tony Moore and a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Robinson to move to the Bulldogs' 33 with 49 seconds left.

However, Moore's first-down pass over the middle was deflected and intercepted by Robinson linebacker Mike Skiptunas, sealing the victory for the Bulldogs (2-1).

"We finally got a good pass rush, we got a tip on the ball and Mike Skiptunas was there and made a good play on it," Cloninger said.

The Spiders dropped to 0-2.

With the score tied 20-20 at halftime, Robinson took its only other lead of the game on the opening possession of the third quarter.

Hampton ran for 57 yards on the first play from scrimmage and scored two plays later on a 2-yard run. The extra point was blocked.

Later in the third, Concord drove to the Bulldogs' 2 before losing a fumble after a pass reception.

The Spiders' defense held, though, and Concord took advantage of the short field. Tailback Roger Smith scored on a 27-yard run and Branden Barnhardt's extra point gave the Spiders a 27-26 lead with 1:18 left in the third.

The Spiders then put together a drive that took more than half of the time in the fourth quarter and were one play away from just about putting away the game.

Moore's keeper on fourth-and-7 from the Robinson 31 came up a yard short.

The Bulldogs took over with 2:32 left.

Bradley Clay threw to Chris Moon for 10 yards and a roughing the passer penalty two plays later moved the ball to the Concord 45.

Clay then rolled out and hit Cyrus Mojtabai over the middle for a 31-yard catch-and-run to the Spiders' 14.

"Cyrus extended the play and we were able to get them stretched and (Clay) threw back to him," Cloninger said. "(Cyrus) sat down in the hole and waited on it."

After a 10-yard reception by Moon, Hampton plowed in over the right side for the winning score.

Hampton rushed for 169 yards.

Concord led 7-0 before a track meet broke out in the second quarter.

The teams combined for five touchdowns in a span of 2:19.

Hampton had touchdown runs of 12 and 27 yards on consecutive carries.

In between, Dominique Posey returned a kickoff 85 yards for a Concord touchdown. After Hampton's second score, Moore connected with Bryan Franklin for a 72-yard touchdown play that put the Spiders ahead 20-12.

Robinson answered three plays later when Moon took a short pass and turned it into a 43-yard touchdown. Clay then threw to tight end Chris Dudas for the two-point conversion that tied the game.

Smith had a huge night in a losing effort for Concord, rushing for 218 yards and two touchdowns.

Moore completed 8 of 23 passes for 183 yards for Concord.

Clay was 13 of 30 for 163 yards for Robinson, which also overcame the loss of star lineman R.J. Mattes, who was ejected late in the third quarter for a late hit.

"Never giving up," Cloninger said about what the difference was for his team. "Staying after it and showing some mental toughness."

It was Robinson's second straight win over Concord following five straight losses.

Concord opens league play at home against Piedmont next Friday, while Robinson has an open date.

Hampton's TD run with 1:10 remaining completes rally

By Paul Hershey

phershey@independenttribune.com

CONCORD -- Head coach Bobby Cloninger has stressed mental toughness as the key to success for his Jay M. Robinson team.

The Bulldogs showed plenty of that on Friday night.

Despite trailing for most of the game, Robinson continually battled back and pulled out a wild 32-27 victory over rival Concord at Robinson High.

Jason Hampton's 4-yard touchdown run -- his third score of the game -- with 1:10 left in the fourth quarter provided the winning points.

"It gives a whole lot of credibility to what we're trying to do," Cloninger said of the victory. "They're a good football team. Our kids showed a lot of perseverance by the way they came back. I'm going to give them all the credit.

"We earned this one."

Concord, meanwhile, made big strides offensively but saw its second game end in the same way as its opener -- with an interception.

After Hampton's score, Concord got a 15-yard run by quarterback Tony Moore and a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Robinson to move to the Bulldogs' 33 with 49 seconds left.

However, Moore's first-down pass over the middle was deflected and intercepted by Robinson linebacker Mike Skiptunas, sealing the victory for the Bulldogs (2-1).

"We finally got a good pass rush, we got a tip on the ball and Mike Skiptunas was there and made a good play on it," Cloninger said.

The Spiders dropped to 0-2.

With the score tied 20-20 at halftime, Robinson took its only other lead of the game on the opening possession of the third quarter.

Hampton ran for 57 yards on the first play from scrimmage and scored two plays later on a 2-yard run. The extra point was blocked.

Later in the third, Concord drove to the Bulldogs' 2 before losing a fumble after a pass reception.

The Spiders' defense held, though, and Concord took advantage of the short field. Tailback Roger Smith scored on a 27-yard run and Branden Barnhardt's extra point gave the Spiders a 27-26 lead with 1:18 left in the third.

The Spiders then put together a drive that took more than half of the time in the fourth quarter and were one play away from just about putting away the game.

Moore's keeper on fourth-and-7 from the Robinson 31 came up a yard short.

The Bulldogs took over with 2:32 left.

Bradley Clay threw to Chris Moon for 10 yards and a roughing the passer penalty two plays later moved the ball to the Concord 45.

Clay then rolled out and hit Cyrus Mojtabai over the middle for a 31-yard catch-and-run to the Spiders' 14.

"Cyrus extended the play and we were able to get them stretched and (Clay) threw back to him," Cloninger said. "(Cyrus) sat down in the hole and waited on it."

After a 10-yard reception by Moon, Hampton plowed in over the right side for the winning score.

Hampton rushed for 169 yards.

Concord led 7-0 before a track meet broke out in the second quarter.

The teams combined for five touchdowns in a span of 2:19.

Hampton had touchdown runs of 12 and 27 yards on consecutive carries.

In between, Dominique Posey returned a kickoff 85 yards for a Concord touchdown. After Hampton's second score, Moore connected with Bryan Franklin for a 72-yard touchdown play that put the Spiders ahead 20-12.

Robinson answered three plays later when Moon took a short pass and turned it into a 43-yard touchdown. Clay then threw to tight end Chris Dudas for the two-point conversion that tied the game.

Smith had a huge night in a losing effort for Concord, rushing for 218 yards and two touchdowns.

Moore completed 8 of 23 passes for 183 yards for Concord.

Clay was 13 of 30 for 163 yards for Robinson, which also overcame the loss of star lineman R.J. Mattes, who was ejected late in the third quarter for a late hit.

"Never giving up," Cloninger said about what the difference was for his team. "Staying after it and showing some mental toughness."

It was Robinson's second straight win over Concord following five straight losses.

Concord opens league play at home against Piedmont next Friday, while Robinson has an open date.

Sep. 15--CONCORD -- Two fumbles on kickoff returns. Two miscues on punts.

That's how Friday night's South Piedmont Conference game with Hickory Ridge started for Concord High.

"I guess one thing that helped me is a little bit of experience," veteran coach E.Z. Smith said, referring to how he dealt with the Spiders' early mishaps. "Don't panic, stay with the game plan ... do what we got to do."

The calm, businesslike approach Smith and his coaching staff displayed on the sidelines during that rugged opening stretch obviously rubbed off on the Spiders, who after spotting the Ragin' Bulls the early advantage stormed back with 31 unanswered points to pull away to a 31-14 victory at rainy Bailey Stadium.

"I have a great coaching staff," Smith said. "They're experienced. They don't allow our team to look past the opponent. They also keep their head about them. They kept us in the ball game, our coaching staff did."

So did Roger Smith.

A week after setting a school single-game rushing record with 323 yards in a 41-6 romp over Piedmont, the junior tailback blitzed the Ragin' Bulls for 262 yards and two touchdowns.

Had it not been for two penalties that negated two touchdown runs, Smith would have easily broken that record

He scored on a 32 yard run in the third quarter, but it was called back because of holding. In the fourth quarter, a 78-yard scamper was disallowed because of an illegal block.

"I was disappointed because Roger ... before the game I thought Roger would probably break the record he set last week," Smith said. "I think he had ... I'm going to count 'em up and see how many yards he had. He had two called back that I know were just great runs."

After opening the season with two losses, Concord has now won two straight -- both coming in SPC play. The Spiders are tied for first place with Anson County, which knocked off A.L. Brown 24-21 on Friday.

But it far from easy.

The first-year Bulls put up a spirited effort in game that didn't offer many style points.

Concord fumbled three times in all, losing two on the first two kickoff returns, and struggled on special teams. One punt was blocked and another went awry when the snap sailed over the head of Brandon Barnhardt.

The Bulls turned two of those mistakes into scores -- a 24-yard touchdown pass from Brett Lilly to wide out Martin Murrell and a 3-yard run by Chase Phillips -- to jump out to a surprising 14-0 lead just eight minutes in.

"(Hickory Ridge coach) Marty Paxton did a great job," Smith said. "He's a former player and he knows what it's like to play here in Bailey Stadium. He prepared his kids and they did a good job. They got an opening turnover, took it down and scored. They got another turnover and another score."

It could have been much worse, but the Spiders' defense buckled down and kept the Bulls from converting on the other two turnovers deep in Concord territory.

That, in the end, was the difference.

Quarterback Tony Moore got Concord on the board with a 20-yard run a minute into the second quarter and by halftime, the Spiders had reeled off 24 points to go into the locker room ahead 24-14.

Moore tossed a 16-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jimmy Drye, Smith ran for a 32-yard score and Barnhardt capped the run with a 36-yard field goal.

Smith's 17-yard run in the third quarter was the final score of the game, which was called with 4:16 remaining because of lightning.

"It's a win," Smith said. "What can you say. We're 2-0 in the conference after being 0-2. Again, we're tied with somebody for first place. As long as we're winning, we're all right."

Moore finished with 91 yards rushing, helping Concord to a huge advantage in first downs (20-5). Smith also had one reception for 37 yards, giving him 299 all-purpose yards.

Murrell paced the Bulls with seven catches for 104 yards. Hickory Ridge was held to just 5 yards rushing on 14 carries. Lilly was 9 of 25 for 103 yards.

"I can't complain," Smith said. "Marty did a great job with his kids. They played their hearts out."

Concord won a wild back and forth turnover filled game over Anson Friday night at Robert C. Bailey Stadium.

Brandon Barnhardt opened the scoring for Concord with a 22 yard field goal after the opening drive stalled in Anson territory. Later Spider cornerback Larry Johnson would add an interception off Anson quarterback Dennis Rorie. A few plays later Sean Willix would hit Jimmy Drye for a 73 yard touchdown pass to put the Spiders up 10-0. Anson’s next possession would end with another interception, this time by Spider Thomas Pack (pictured above).

On the ensuing possession Antwan Haynie would add a 3 yard touchdown run. Anson would answer with a touchdown pass from Dennis Rorie to Rasuan Rorie. Anson recovered an onside kick on the next kickoff but were unable to get any closer after a missed field goal. Concord would get into scoring position again but would also miss a field goal to end the half up 17-6.

The turnover theme continued in the 2nd half. Anson’s first possession was ended by Larry Johnson’s second interception of the night. Concord would fail to take advantage but the defense would provide another turnover as Thomas Pack intercepted a pass on a trick play. This time Concord would take advantage. After a 35 yard run by tailback Roger Smith quarterback Sean Willix would score on a 1 yard run to put the Spiders up 24-6. Anson would answer with a 54 yard touchdown run by Patrick Polk. Anson would later try a fake punt but the pass was intercepted by Spider cornerback Barry Shipp.

In the 4th after a Concord fumble Anson would score again as Patrick Polk would run 7 yards on a reverse. Later Anson would take the lead after Stephone Anthony stepped in front of a Sean Willix pass and returned it for a touchdown. After a two point conversion Anson was up 27-24. Concord would answer the bell as quarterback Tony Moore scrambled 25 yards on a spectacular run that covered both sides of the field. Tailback Roger Smith would put the Spiders back on top after a 3 yard run.

Anson would have another opportunity but it evaporated when a shotgun snap sailed over quarterback Dennis Rorie’s head and was scooped up by Spider lineman Marcus Rouse who returned it 40 yards for a touchdown. Thomas Pack would add one more interception on Anson’s last possession giving him three for the game to go with Larry Johnson’s two.

Roger Smith added 214 yards rushing and a touchdown. Sean Willix finished 7-17 for 117 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. The Spider defense had 7 turnovers with 6 interceptions. Thomas Pack had three interceptions and Larry Johnson Added two. Nathaniel Sedergren led all defenders with 6 tackles.

With the win Concord moves into a first place tie in the SPC with Kannapolis, Sun Valley, and Anson. Concord travels to Marvin Ridge next week. The first year Mavericks are coached by former A.L. Brown coach Bruce Hardin.

The Spiders fell to Sun Valley 40-10 on the road Friday at Spartan Stadium.

The first half saw the Spiders move the ball well with Sophomore Sean Willix taking over at quarterback. Despite gaining yardage Concord was unable to capitalize on several opportunities in the first half. Kicker Brandon Barnhardt would add a 27 yard field goal to put the Spiders on top 3-0. Later in the second half Sun Valley picked off a Willix pass after a tip. The Spartans would take advantage and go up 7-3 on a 2 yard run by Vincent Davis. The first half would end with the Spartans up 7-3.

Sun Valley would receive the kickoff in the second half and wasted little time scoring only 24 seconds into the 3rd quarter. Later after a Concord fumble the Spartans would strike again. The Spartans would add several big plays and a key defensive stop to take control of the game at 26-3 early in the 4th quarter.

The Spartans would add two more scores in the 4th to bring the final score to 40-10.

Concord moved the ball well but could not take advantage of some key opportunities. QB Sean Willix performed well in his first start at QB going 15-24 for 404 yards and 1 touchdown. Roger Smith added over 300 all-purpose yards and Jimmy Drye had 9 catches for 134 yards and a touchdown.

Concord will return to action next Friday as they host Anson at Robert C. Bailey Stadium.

The Spiders struck early with Antonio Moore finding Evann Carpenter for a long touchdown pass on the Spider's first possession. The Pirates would score on a fumble return to make the score 7-6.

Concord's Roger Smith would score on a 6 yard run early in the 2nd to put Concord up 13-6. Later Antonio Moore would find Jimmy Drye for a 25 yard touchdown. Roger Smith wold add the 2 point conversion run.

Spider defender Matt Josey recovered a Porter Ridge fumble to set the Spider's offense up in Pirate territory. After a long run by QB Antonio Moore Norman Young (pictured) would add a short touchdown run. Lededrick Posey would add the 2 point conversion run. Before halftime Jaquise Moore would haul in a touchdown pass to put the Spiders up 36-6.

In the 3rd quarter Roger Smith rambled 80 yards on a spectacular winding run. Smith's run setup Antwan Haynie's 5 yard touchdown run. Haynie would add another touchdown run the put the Spider's up 49-6.

Things started poorly for Concord as Dominique Posey fumbled the opening kickoff and the Ragin' Bulls recovered. The Bulls took advantage of the short field quickly as QB Brett Lilly found WR Martin Murrell for a 28 yard touchdown. Return problems would continue for Concord as the Bulls would recover another Posey fumble on the ensuing kickoff. However Concord's defense would hold and force a Hickory Ridge punt. Concord would be forced to punt on the possession but the snap sailed over punter Brandon Barnhardt's head. After the turnover Concord's defense would hold as the Bull's field goal attempt sailed wide left. After a blocked Concord punt Hickory Ridge jumped out to a 14-0 lead after Chase Stout's 3 yard run.

In the 2nd quarter Concord's offense would get going. QB Antonio Moore would scramble 25 yards for the Spiders first score. Concord defender Norman Young would recover a fumble on the next possession. A few plays later Antonio Moore would find Jimmy Drye on a 13 yard touchdown pass. Later Roger Smith would add a 33 yard touchdown run. Later facing a 4th down at midfield the Spiders faked a punt with Ben Brill finding Dominique Posey who advanced the ball deep into Ragin' Bull territory. Brandon Barnhardt would add a 37 yard field goal to put the Spider's up 24-14 at the half.

As the second half began Roger Smith picked up where he left off in the first half adding another score this time covering 17 yards. The defense and sloppy weather would control the rest of the game. With a storm approaching the game was called with 4:16 remaining after officials spoke with both head coaches.

The ground game would carry the Spiders on a wet night. Roger Smith rushed for 241 yards and QB Antonio Moore would add nearly 100 yards.

Smith would ramble 75 yards on Concord's opening drive to put the Spiders up 7-0 with Brandon Barnhardt's extra point. After a Piedmont punt Smith would add another long touchdown this time 76 yards. Concord would add another touchdown as quarterback Eric Brenk would find Evann Carpenter for a 45 yard touchdown. The first quarter would end with Concord up 20-0.

The Roger Smith show would continue in the 2nd quarter. Smith would add another long touchdown, this time covering 45 yards. Later QB Ben Brill would find Jimmy Dyre on a 40 yard touchdown to put the Spiders up 34-0 going into halftime.

In the 3rd quarter Smith would add another touchdown, this one covering 2 yards. Smith would finish with 320 yards on 16 carries breaking Jay Graham's record that had stood for 16 years. Smith would leave the game early in the 3rd after scoring 4 touchdowns. Concord would substitute after jumping out to a 41-0 lead.

The defenses would control the rest of the game. Freshman DB Dominique Posey would add a interception for the Spider defense. The Panthers would get on the board late in the game on QB Ben Howard's 10 yard keeper. The extra point was blocked by Spider lineman Brandon Burchfield.

Cody Luck would lead the Spider defense with 5 tackles. Anthony Haynie, Norman Young, and Brandon Burchfield would add sacks for the Spiders.

The Bulldogs scored a touchdown with a little over a minute left to top Concord 32-27 Friday night at J.M. Robinson Stadium.

The first quarter ended with the Spiders holding a 7-0 lead. Then things got exciting. The two teams would trade big play after big play. After a slow first quarter the teams would combine for 33 points in the 2nd quarter highlighted by Dominique Posey's 80 yard kickoff return touchdown. The first half would end in a 20-20 tie.

Robinson would take a lead early in the 2nd half after a long run by tailback Jason Hampton (extra point blocked). Concord would retake the lead after a Roger Smith touchdown run. Brandon Barnhardt's extra point would put the Spiders ahead 27-26. Concord would control the ball for much of the fourth quarter but the Bulldog defense gave their team a chance with a huge stop on a 4th down run by Spider QB Tony Moore. Given the chance Bulldog QB Bradley Clay took the Bulldogs down the field. Robinson would score with little more than a minute left to take a 32-27 lead. Concord would move down the field on their last possession. Tony Moore's 20 yard keeper and a Robinson penalty would put the Spiders in Bulldog territory with seconds left. But on first down Moore's pass was tipped and intercepted sealing the victory for the Bulldogs.

It was a hard fought emotional contest between county rivals. Robinson lineman R.J. Mattes was ejected after stepping on a Concord player.

Tony Moore would finish 8-23 for 177 yards and one touchdown. Roger Smith had a huge night for the Spiders gaining 217 yards rushing with 2 touchdowns.

Brandon Franklin was the leading receiver for the Spiders with 72 yards and a touchdown.

The Spiders would gain nearly 500 yards with 300 yards rushing and 177 yards in the air.

Nathanial Sedegren, Larry Johnson, and Marcus Rouse each recorded 6 tackles for the Spiders.